Reading Notes: Jataka Tales, Part B

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Story: The Elephant Girly-Face


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This was one of my favorite stories because of the message. I think that there is the potential for both good and evil in each person. It is all about how we are taught. If we are taught to be kind, nice, and conscientious, we will be good. However, if we are thought to be violent, resentful, and jealous, then we will be evil. 

Summary Plot:

Once upon a time, there was an elephant name Girly-Face. He was named that because he was very gentle and kind. One night, a band of robbers got into the palace the elephant lived and Girly-Face overheard them saying that they should be prepared to kill and have no fear.

Girly-Face thought that the men were teaching him, so the next morning when the keeper came he threw him with his trunk and killed him. Another keeper came and Girly-face killed him too. A wise men thought that Girly-Face must have heard bad men talking and copied them. 

So the king sent a company of the best men to be found sitting and talking near where Girly-Face lived. The men talked to one another about how it was wrong to kill, and how everyone should be gentle and good. Girly-Face hearing those men thought to himself that he must be good and gentle, and resolved not to hurt or kill anyone. 

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